Where To Stay In Moorea: The Ultimate Guide 2023
LOOKING FOR WHERE TO STAY IN MOOREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA?
Moorea(pronounced Mo – oh – ray – ah)is a tropical paradise that is part of the French Polynesian islands in the South Pacific. As one of the most beautiful islands in the world, this should be a destination that appears near the top of your bucket list.
If you’re planning a trip to the magical island of Moorea, you’ll want to know where to stay. Unlike tiny Bora Bora, figuring out which neighborhoods to stay in can be a challenge on Moorea.
To help you book your vacation plans, we’ve constructed an ultimate guide that will show you exactly which area to stay in and the best Moorea hotels on any budget.
Short on time? Book the best hotels on Moorea here:
- Best budget option:Residence Vainau Moorea
- Best luxury option:Sofitel Moorea Resort & Spa(Overwater bungalow option)
Where To Stay In Moorea By Budget
Not only is Moorea a diverse island for all of its landforms, flora, and coral reef, but it also has plenty of diverse accommodation options for all budget types.
Contrary to popular belief, Moorea doesn’t HAVE to be an expensive place to visit if you know where to book your stay.
Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on where to stay in Moorea if you’re on a budget, if you’re looking to pay mid-range prices, and if you want a luxury vacation.
1. Affordable Places To Stay In Moorea
Although Moorea doesn’t offer Southeast Asian prices for travelers, they still have relatively affordable places to stay if you look in the right place.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Moorea as a budget-traveler, here are your options:
Budget-Friendly Stays
Many would think that French Polynesia is this ridiculously expensive luxury island. And while it is a luxury island, we lived on the French Polynesiain island of Moorea for two months and did it for cheaper than we do living at home (in Steamboat Springs, Colorado).
Surprisingly, the cost of Morea accommodation can be pretty affordable if you know where to look and book yourstay during off season. Here are a few budget-friendly places we have stayed at and recommend:
✔Residence Vainau Moorea–⭐ 8.5/10 stars (151 reviews)
For about$60 per nightfor two guests, stay at theResidence Vainau Moorea, and explore this island on a budget. And best part? This place is only 30 meters from the ocean! Let the crashing waves lull you to sleep each night.
Not only is the ocean just 30 meters away, but you’re really close to the bestbeaches in Mooreaand other activities. Or, feel like a kid again by playing foosball at this villa. This is perfect for when it rains, which is does frequently on the island.
In addition to the foosball table, you’ll also have full access to an equipped kitchen, wifi, and a bar.
✅Check prices and book your stay atResidence Vainau Moorea by clicking here!
For$60 per night, you and a guest can stay in a private room at theParadise Retreat Moorea.
这是由一个Airbnb meanin“superhost”g that they have the best reviews based on cleanliness, value, and communication with their guests. Therefore, you’ll be in excellent hands at this Airbnb.
It is located in the PaoPao neighborhood of Moorea, which means you’ll have direct access to Cook’s Bay and the surrounding areas. From this location, grocery stores and popular restaurants(be sure to eat at Allo Pizza!)are only a 1km walk or drive.
No matter where you stay in Moorea, you’ll want to have a car or scooter to get around as there areno Ubers on the island. The host is very nice about picking up and dropping off guests atthe ferryif you ask her. This will save you about $60.
And while it might not be a luxurious hotel, this budget-friendly Airbnb has a very nice outdoor pool, steady wifi(very difficult to find on the island of Moorea), and a beautiful terrace/outdoor living space.
Note:This is a private room option. You will have your own private bedroom but you will be sharing the kitchen and common areas with the friendly host, Carole.
Cheap Homestays And Hostels
I get it… Even $60 per night for a place to stay can add up and as a budget traveler, you’ll want your money to go as far as possible, right?
If that’s the traveling category you’re in, then here are some great homestay and hostel options for your trip to Moorea:
✔Fare Om
If you’re really looking for a cheap place to stay, this is the most budget-friendly option. AtFare Om, you’ll pay as little as$17 per personfor a dormitory-style bed.
Other accommodation options are available at this hostel as well. Whether you want to pitch a tent on their property or rent a private room for $50, there are many different avenues you can take and plenty of ways to save some money.
One of the best things about this stay is that breakfast is included. On an island where food can be pricey, this is a huge game-changer for budget travelers.
这hostel-style的家位于库克的B之间ay and Opunohu Bay. At this location, you’ll have access to either bay with plenty of dining options, supermarkets, and pristine beaches.
And of course, the biggest perk to staying in a hostel is that you’ll be able to meet tons of new people and friends from all over the world. This will make your experience on Moorea 10x better and that’s saying a lot because Moorea is already incredible.
Book YourStay At Fare Om HERE!
This accommodation option fills upfast!Book your stay withour favorite travel aggregator by clicking here!
✔ITI Room Red
Another budget-friendly option is theITI Room Red. This private room is$42 per nightfor two guests, but they do have a 2-night minimum policy as many Airbnbs do.
The ITI Room Red is actually a small guest house that is attached to the host’s main residence. You will have the entire bedroom to yourself, but you will need to share the bathroom, kitchen, and common areas with the host.
One of the best parts about this stay on Moorea is that the host has two dogs. So, if you’re a dog lover like me, this is the accommodation option for you.
Another huge perk about staying at this homestay is that you’ll have access to two bikes for completely free. On Moorea, renting bikes can cost a pretty penny, so this is a fantastic deal.
If you aren’t interested in using the bikes, the host also offers free snorkeling gear and the home is located close to one of the best snorkeling spots on Moorea, Temae Beach.
Tip:Head to the north end of Temae Beach to find the best snorkeling spots. This is where most snorkeling companies bring their guests and you can do it for free!
2. Mid-Range Accommodation Options In Moorea
Although it’s nice to save money, some travelers want a bit more privacy and more amenities. Of course staying at a fancy-shmancy luxury resort would be nice, but we can’t all afford to pay $800+ per night, right?
If this sounds like you, here are some mid-range accommodation options and places to stay in Moorea:
Average Airbnbs
点空白,我们爱Airbnb。你想要一个是吗fancy home with 10 bedrooms and a spa? You can find that on Airbnb. Do you want a nice villa for a reasonable price? You’re covered with Airbnb.
Here are our favorite mid-range Airbnb options on the island of Moorea:
✔Cocoon Vanh Cooks Bay
Looking for a nice place with excellent style? Maybe even a pool with a view? Look no further thanCocoon Vanh Cooks Bay. For$178 per nightfor two people, you’ll get everything you want and more.
At Cocoon Vanh, you’ll be staying in a private residence on the host’s property. It is located on the edge of Cook’s Bay near the Maharepa neighborhood. This is a popular place for dining, shopping, and excursions.
Since this is a private accommodation option, you will not have to interact with the host if you don’t want to. The garden bungalow is fully sustainable and has everything you need: a kitchen, wifi, and a bathroom.
There is a beautiful pool on the property, which you will have access to. The pool and garden are the only things that you will share with the host.
One of the best things about this stay is that the host actually offers a car for rent. This car will be MUCH more affordable than if you were to rent one from Avis or Europcar. Consider this when making your island plans.
✔Villa Poenaki
During our trip to Moorea, we had the opportunity to stay atVilla Poenakiand it was one of the best experiences we’ve had. For$141 per night, you’ll have this luxury bungalow with two spacious rooms all to yourself.
Since it can sleep up to four guests, invite more friends to join you; splitting the cost would make it even more affordable.
We loved the small spa pool, the ambiance, the washer and dryer, and most importantly, the panoramic views. If you want the most breathtaking view of Moorea from the comfort of your villa, this is your answer.
We also loved that this villa was resort-like, meaning it had all of the amenities you could need: a big pool, a tennis court, and a fitness center.
Before you book the Villa Poenaki, be sure that you have a rental car or scooter. This villa is located in the Tiahura neighborhood in a place called Legends Residences. It’s a wonderful location and perfect for nature lovers, but getting to the villa requires going up a very big hill.
Note:Villa Poenaki does have a hefty cleaning fee that will be tacked onto the final price of your stay. Prepare for it to be around $85.
✔Ocean Side Bungalow
We also had the chance to stay at theOcean Side Bungalowfor an entire week. For$131 per nightfor two people, you’ll have the entire self-sustaining bungalow to yourself.
By the end of our two-month trip to Moorea, we had stayed in 5 different Airbnbs and resorts. All were absolutely fantastic, but this one was hard to beat.
Located just steps from the ocean, you’ll have the most epic view and if you’re lucky, you may even see some humpback whales right from your bed(we did!).
The host, Frederique, is so friendly and accommodating. Apart from offering us breakfast(fruit and juice)every morning, she gave us our privacy. We also loved that she provided two free beach bikes for us to ride.
Since this bungalow is located just 1 kilometer from Temae Beach, you’re in the perfect location. So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Moorea, we highly recommend booking this Airbnb.
Note:This bungalow is just steps away from what we like to call “Secret Beach”. If you stay here while visiting Moorea, walk north along the beach to find this unspoiled and secluded section of coastline.
Standard Hotels
Even though we think Airbnbs are the bees knees, some travelers just want to be pampered in a hotel. And that’s perfectly okay!
In Moorea, you can find it all. Although you likely won’t be able to stay in an overwater luxury bungalow for mid-range prices, you can find some awesome resorts for under $250 per night. Here’s what we recommend:
✔Moorea Island Beach Hotel
This beachfront property is a highly-rated, 3-star hotel in the Ha’apiti neighborhood. TheMoorea Island Beach Hotelwill likely run youabout $200 per night, but we’ve found deals for less than $150 per night.
With your stay, you’ll get a private, air-conditioned room with free wifi and a private bathroom. In our opinion, this hotel’s mission is to make you feel like royalty but for a reasonable price.
Although you won’t be staying in the most ideal location, you’ll have your own beautiful white sand beach directly in front of the resort. Therefore, you likely won’t have to leave very often and many tour companies offer to pick you up from your hotel.
Note:不包括早餐,通常会成本around $25 per person. You don’t have to eat breakfast at your resort since there are far cheaper options elsewhere, but it isn’t as convenient.
✔Moorea Beach Lodge
For about$160 per night, stay at theMoorea Beach Lodge, also located in the Ha’apiti neighborhood.
Whether you want to lounge on the sandy beach or drink a cocktail at their on-site bar, we are sure you’ll love this affordable resort. It’s a great place to soak up those laid-back island vibes.
While at the Moorea Beach Lodge, hop on one of their free bikes or paddle out past the reef with their free kayaks. We love that they offer so many amenities for free that other luxurious resorts typically charge for.
They offer a delicious breakfast every morning and they even let guests access their kitchen for half of the day in order to cook their own food if they so desire. NowTHATis hospitality.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Moorea on a mid-range budget, the Moorea Beach Lodge should be your first choice, it’s one of the best hotels when it comes to value for money.
3. Fancy Stays In Moorea
And now what French Polynesia is best known for… luxury stays. If you want fancy, they’ll give you fancy andthen some!
Here are the best places to stay in Moorea if you’re looking for chic luxury in a paradise setting:
Upscale Airbnbs
As mentioned before, Airbnbs come in all shapes and sizes. You can rent a private room for just a few dollars or you can spend $1000+ per night on the most elegant mansion on the island. Take your pick!
So, if budget doesn’t matter to you, here are some upscale Airbnbs in Moorea to consider:
✔Villa Moana
For nearly$600 per night, you and up to 8 other guests can enjoy this modern waterfront property calledVilla Moana. It’s the ideal place for a group of friends or family to vacation together.
This four-bedroom, four-bathroom home has all of the amenities you could ever dream of: kayaks, a beautiful master bedroom with a sea view, and a salt water pool.
Although you’ll be located in the secluded southern Atiha neighborhood, you’ll have everything you need at this villa. And if you have any questions or need advice, the host, Emily, is wonderful and helpful.
Note:If you want luxury on a budget in Moorea, invite several friends to join you on this trip of a lifetime. Split the cost and you’ll enjoy this breathtaking villa for just a few hundred dollars each.
✔Villa N°10 by ENJOY VILLAS MOOREA
Another upscale Airbnb you should consider while staying in Moorea is theVilla N°10. For about$550 per night, you’ll have this massive villa and private pool to yourself.
This immaculate villa can sleep up to 6 people. It boasts two double rooms, three private bathrooms, a massive kitchen, and a well-equipped living room. The terrace is complete with lounge chairs and a barbeque grill.
But.. that’s not even the best part!
The best part is that you’ll have the most iconic views of the ocean and surrounding reef right from your villa. With an infinity pool like this, you’ll never want to leave.
If you’re more of a beach-goer than a pool person, you’re in luck because the beach is just steps away. The included kayak will also come in handy for exploring the ocean and all of its wonders.
Note:Villa N°10 is located in the Maharepa neighborhood, which means it’s very close to dining options, shopping, and tour companies.
✔Villa Manatea
To wrap up our list of luxury Airbnbs in Moorea, we decided thatVilla Manateais too good NOT to include. Although it will run you$1200+ per night, it is well worth the splurge.
This four bedroom villa can sleep up to 10 people, so invite some friends to split the cost.
You’ll love the private plunge pool that looks out to the overwater traditional bungalows at the Sofitel Resort, the luxe design with Polynesian influence, and the ensuite master bedroom that looks out over the turquoise lagoon.
Wake up to the most brilliant view you’ve ever seen by renting the Villa Manatea. Forget the Sofitel or Hilton resorts; this villa blows them all out of the water by a long shot.
If you’re looking for the most incredible place to stay in Moorea, don’t hesitate to book this villa before it’s too late.
Note:Villa Manatea is located in the Teavaro neighborhood. This means you’re steps away from Temae Beach, the Sofitel Resort, and the ferry dock.
Overwater Bungalows
If you go to Moorea and you don’t stay in an overwater bungalow, did you really go to a French Polynesian island at all?
When we arrived in Moorea, we were desperate to stay in an overwater bungalow and if you’ve seen the famous Instagram pictures of this island, you’ll be dying to stay in one, too.
Here are the three overwater bungalows located on Moorea:
Note:Moorea used to have the Intercontinental Resort, which also offered overwater bungalows. This resort is no longer open. It was permanently closed in 2020 due to issues with management.
✔Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea
I wanted to start the overwater bungalow section of our guide with a more affordable option.
Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa Mooreawill likely cost$400-600 per nightdepending on which overwater bungalow you choose and the time of year. This is far cheaper than the other two overwater bungalow options below.
Although you won’t be staying in a 5-star resort, it will sure feel like it! This 4-star resort really works its magic.
Whether you want to book an excursion, get a massage at the on-site spa, or lounge on the beach, the Manava Beach Resort will deliver.
Best of all, the Manava Beach Resort is located in the Maharepa neighborhood. This is centrally located with plenty of places for dining and shopping nearby.
✔Sofitel Moorea Kia Ora Resort & Spa
There are two 5-star resorts on the island of Moorea and theSofitel Moorea Kia Ora Resort & Spais one of them. This is the resort we decided to stay in for a night to experience an overwater bungalow in French Polynesia.
For about$800 per night, you can book an overwater bungalow at the Sofitel. This includes breakfast, snorkel gear, and a private beach.
我们喜欢这个度假村提供的酒店;we were greeted with traditional Polynesian leis and we had the on-site restaurant and bar deliver dinner and drinks to our room.
The connected deck had lounge chairs and a shower to rinse off after snorkeling in the ocean(literally right underneath your overwater bungalow!).
If you want to experience an overwater bungalow, we highly recommend the Sofitel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.
Note:The Sofitel Resort is connected to Temae Beach, however, there aren’t many dining options close by. But, keep in mind that the resort offers several different restaurants so you won’t have to leave the grounds in search of food.
✔Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Another world-class, 5-star resort in Moorea is the famousHilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the beach, go snorkeling, or visit the full-service spa, the Hilton has it all.
Expect to pay$700-1000 per nightfor an overwater bungalow at this luxury hotel. This will vary depending on the time of year.
The Hilton is located in the Piha’ena neighborhood close to both Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. You’ll have easy access to plenty of dining options, beaches, and excursion companies. Unlike the Sofitel, the Hilton Resort is a bit more centrally located.
You’ll also be directly across the road from Mount Rotui. If youfancy hikingand you’re in good physical condition, you may considerclimbing to the top of Rotui.
This 5-star resort isn’t lacking when it comes to resort amenities, so rest assured you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
Important:Mike and I were able to stay in a Sofitel overwater bungalow forFREE. If you want to know exactly how we were able to do this and how you can too, grab our free guide by clicking this link:How To Stay In An Overwater Bungalow For Free.
Where To Stay In Moorea For A Month Or More
Let’s switch gears here because if you are really looking to save money on a place to stay in Moorea, your best option is to stay on the island for a month or longer.
If you didn’t know, most Airbnbs offera special discountto guests who stay “long-term”. This typically means for 28 days or more. Since this is the most economical, this is how we choose to travel.
Note:If you want to know how we are able to travel long-term, check out our post,23 Digital Nomad Jobs For Aspiring Travelers.
Here are the best places to stay in Moorea for a month or more:
✔Bungalow VAIKI
With a 64% monthly discount, you truly can’t find a more budget-friendly place to stay on the island thanBungalow VAIKI.
We spent a month at Bungalow VAIKI and paidapproximately $1900. And while this might seem like a lot, you’ll likely spend more than this for a week-long stay at a mediocre resort.
主人名叫塔玛拉,她非常关心的d helpful. With this Airbnb reservation, you’ll have an entire bungalow to yourself. This includes a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Although you will be living on her property, your bungalow will be completely self-sustaining, which means you will have as much privacy as you’d like.
Aside from the bungalow itself, the best part about this stay is that you’ll be steps(literally)from one of the most popular beaches on the island: Temae Beach. Use some of the snorkeling gear that Tamara offers for free and spend hours exploring the coral reef located in your backyard.
✔Torres Pretty House
Splurge a little for a month-long stay atTorres Pretty House. This brand new property will run you about$2100 per month.
The Torres Pretty House is a fully-equipped guesthouse with a full bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a mezzanine level that includes two additional beds. Up to 4 people can comfortably stay here.
Although you’ll be sharing the pool with the host, you’ll have your own private terrace and complete privacy.
It’s the perfect place for long-term stays because you’ll have internet and a washer; two important amenities that many Airbnbs on Moorea don’t offer.
The only major downfall of this property is that it is located on the south side of the island. Moorea’s south side doesn’t have the dining options, amenities, and beaches that the northern side does. In order to reach the north side of the island, prepare for at least a 20-minutes’ drive.
✔Moorea Studio With Swimming Pool
The final place we stayed during our time in Moorea was theMoorea Studio With Swimming Pool. For about$2000 per month, spend time in this centrally located studio apartment.
Although it was a bit small, we had no trouble cooking or working from this bungalow.
With a private bathroom, bedroom, and kitchenette, you likely won’t have to interact with the host family if you want your privacy. On the other hand, the host, Jerome, and his family were very nice and helpful. Don’t hesitate to chat with them.
The only shared space apart from the tropical gardens is the pool. When we were there, Jerome and his family were busy, which meant we had the pool to ourselves most days.
This Airbnb is located between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. You’ll be just minutes from dining options, a big supermarket, and luxurious beaches.
Note:This studio apartment had the best wifi on the island of Moorea. Steady wifi is hard to come by on the island, but at Jerome’s place, it was very stable and fast.
5 Best Locations To Stay In Moorea
Now, if you didn’t like any of the options above or you’re hoping to explore more options, I wanted to mention the 5 best locations to stay on the island of Moorea.
If you’re planning a trip of a lifetime to French Polynesia, this is where you’ll want to stay:
1. Tiahura
The Tiahura neighborhood is located on the northwest corner of Moorea. By staying in Tiahura, you’ll have access to the best restaurants and shops.
Also in the Tiahura area are two well-known beaches: Tiahura Beach and Sunset Beach. Grab a cocktail on Sunset Beach and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Apart from beaches, what else is so great about the Tiahura neighborhood? Well, this location is perfect for excursions, tours, and more. You’ll be close to the Te Mana O Te Moana Turtle Sanctuary, Coco Beach, and so many otherfun things to do on the island.
Note:No matter where you stay on the island, be sure to secure a reliable source of transportation. For budget-travelers, we recommend a motorbike. For families, you’ll want to rent a car or SUV.
2. Temae
We spent most of our time on Moorea in the Temae neighborhood.
Not only is it close to the ferry and Moorea airport, but it is home to one of the top beaches on the island. We also loved that it was just down the road from the Maharepa neighborhood, which is full of cafes, shops, and supermarkets.
The location is perfect for exploring both the northern and southern sides of the island. And even though it’s centrally located, it is far enough away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy peace and quiet.
Note:If you’re into golfing, this is the place to stay. You’ll be directly next to the one and only golf course on the island of Moorea.
3. Te’avaro
Next door to the Temae area is the Te’avaro neighborhood. With plenty of swanky houses and an upscale Polynesian-style resort(Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea), you’ll find the luxury you’re looking for here.
This area is centrally located so that you can easily access both sides of the island.
A few popular spots near the Te’avaro neighborhood include Toatea Lookout, Temae Beach, the ferry, Champion Supermarket, and the Sofitel Resort.
Luckily, if you’re staying in this area, you won’t have to limit the places you explore. Hop in the car and drive 10 minutes down the road to Maharepa, Cook’s Bay, and more ideal locations.
4. Maharepa
Maharepa seems to be the center of it all. If you want a centrally located place to stay in Moorea, this is your answer.
This neighborhood is bursting with fun cafes, cute shops, and delicious restaurants. You can also find exciting excursion companies and hiking trails nearby.
We especially loved that Maharepa is close to both Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. There are so many adventures to be had in both of these locations.
Note:Since this neighborhood is lively, you may want to consider another location if you’re looking for a calm and quiet stay on the island.
5. Piha’ena
The final neighborhood we recommend on the island is called Piha’ena. This neighborhood is located on the middle toe of Moorea(Moorea is shaped like a gecko’s foot)on the edge of Cook’s Bay.
By staying in Piha’ena, you’ll have quick access to both bays which boast plenty of adventures like Mount Rotui, Magic Mountain, the Rotui Juice Factory, and more.
We loved staying in Piha’ena because it was well-kept, quiet, and centrally located.
Is Moorea Safe For Tourists?
Now that we’ve covered the best resorts and locations on the island of Moorea, I want to cover a question that many people have asked us: Is Moorea a safe destination for tourists?
Above all, the answer is absolutely yes.
Moorea is a small island off the coast of Tahiti and it is part of the French Polynesian islands. Although it has its own government, it is owned by France.
The island follows laws set by the French and the Polynesian governments. Therefore, rules are set in place and the majority of locals follow them.
Similar to any other destination in the world, you should be aware of your surroundings while you’re in Moorea. Pay attention to your personal belongings and don’t flaunt fancy accessories outside of resorts.
Even though you have a very, VERY slim chance of being pickpocketed or robbed, use common sense as you would anywhere else.
However, if we’re talking about safety, the thing you should worry about most while visiting Moorea is the ocean. Riptides are common and injuries or death can occur if you’re not careful.
从来没有独自游泳或潜水和理解战争ning signs of riptides before traveling to Moorea.
The Wrap-Up: Where To Stay In Moorea
This tropical island is the definition of paradise. If it’s on your travel bucket list, book your flight now and use this guide to determine where to stay in Moorea. Whether you’re looking atoverwater bungalowsor a lovely room, there’s something for your budget.
Moorea is still an unspoiled utopia that can(surprisingly) accommodate travelers of any budget type. And if you happen to be off to Bora Bora after your visit to Moorea, be sure to check out the bestall inclusive resorts in Bora Bora.
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